GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 34-47cm (l3½”-18½”).
Colour: Black, different variations of grey or white.
Coat: Distinctive cords of matted hair from 4-6cm (l½”-2½”) on the head and feet up to 8-18cm (3”-7”) on thighs.
Gait: Short quick steps showing energy and liveliness.
With the hair falling naturally in cords, this herding breed is one of the more unique members of the working dog group. In conformation, the Puli is not dissimilar to the Tibetan Terrier. The domed skull with its rounded cheeks, is two-thirds longer than the muzzle. The dark eyes have a lively expression and the low set dropped ears are covered with long hair. When fully coated, the neck appears to merge with the high set withers. The tail is curled tightly over the loin and its cords completely merge with the body coat.Forelegs are vertical and the hindquarters reasonably well angulated with tight feet.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
The Puli is a sensitive animal who is often a one man or one family dog. Their loyalties and devotion are intense - and being highly intelligent, they are easily trained. Like their Hungarian counterpart the Komondor, the hair, starts to fall into cords naturally at about 9 months. The cords must be encouraged and trained in order that the hairs from one cord do not tangle with the hairs of another cord. Once the cords are formed, they do not need brushing. Allow 1 hour when bathing, and about 6 hours to blow the coat dry. Pet owners may prefer to keep their dogs’ coats short and uncorded.
HISTORY
Believed to have originated in Asia with a similar history to that of the Tibetan Terrier, these dogs arrived in Hungary in the 9th century during the Magyar invasions. For over a 1000 years, the Puli worked with the shepherds during the day; and in the evening, the larger white Komondor who was more discernible in the dark, took over guarding the flocks from wolves and robbers. Due to their love and ability to work in the water, this breed was once known as the Hungarian Water Dog. In Hungarian, the word ‘puli’ means leader.